Alberta’s upcoming referendum — set for October 19, 2026 — includes questions related to federal–provincial relations, including immigration and constitutional matters. The scope of the referendum has expanded to include a question on whether Alberta should begin the legal and constitutional process toward a future referendum on independence.
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) is committed to providing a non-partisan, evidence-based perspective on the economic implications of the referendum. This page brings together research, business data, commentary, and analysis, informed by the experiences and perspectives of Alberta businesses, to help businesses and stakeholders understand the potential impacts on investment, business confidence, and economic growth.
Research and Insights
Latest Research: Business Confidence & Provincial Priorities
Recent ACC research highlights how current political dynamics are shaping business decision-making across Alberta. Businesses report increased uncertainty affecting planning, a growing share of delayed or reconsidered investments, and heightened concern around economic stability. These findings reinforce a consistent message: stability, predictability, and coordinated policy are essential to maintaining investor confidence and supporting growth.
Report: The 1995 Quebec Referendum: Strategic Lessons for Alberta’s Business Community
This non-partisan report examines what Alberta’s business community can learn from Quebec’s 1995 referendum experience. It explores how political uncertainty can influence investor confidence, business decision-making, talent attraction, and economic growth long before any constitutional change occurs. Drawing on historical evidence, current public opinion, and Alberta’s economic realities, the report assesses potential impacts on key sectors including energy, artificial intelligence, aerospace, hydrogen, agriculture, logistics, and tourism. It also outlines practical lessons for maintaining stability, competitiveness, and investment confidence during periods of heightened political uncertainty.
ACC Release: June 25, 2026
Business Confidence in Alberta Declines as Uncertainty Grows
“Businesses are telling us that uncertainty – whether economic or political – is having real, measurable impacts,” said Shauna Feth, President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. “Strengthening confidence will require a clear focus on improving competitiveness, reinforcing stability, and opening new opportunities for trade and investment.”
Op-ed: Separation uncertainty is costing Alberta businesses
Separation uncertainty has an economic cost, and it arrives long before any vote takes place. It shows up in the decisions businesses make every day.
ACC Release: June 29, 2026
Quebec Experience Offers Lessons for Alberta’s Economic Stability and Investment Climate
“The fastest way to strengthen Alberta’s competitiveness is to turn commitments into real results,” said Feth. “Businesses are asking for practical certainty: clear timelines, predictable rules, reliable market access, and a shared focus on investment, jobs, and productivity.”
Articles & Media
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen, Roundtable: The Cost of Separation Talk
- Calgary Herald, Article: Varcoe: New survey finds 68% Alberta businesses seeing effects of separation talk on economy
- Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Release: Nearly half of Calgary Chamber members are likely to relocate business if Alberta separation process moves forward – The Calgary Chamber
- Trevor Tombe, Professor of Economics at the UofC, Article: How the risk of separation could cost Alberta thousands of jobs – The Hub
- Gary Mar, President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation, op-ed: What Albertans need to consider
What Businesses Are Experiencing
68%
Businesses report that uncertainty is impacting the provincial economy.
85%
Businesses feel that business investment is down due to delayed or cancelled projects.
59%
Businesses report difficulty attracting and retaining talent to the province.
Political and economic uncertainty shapes business decisions in real time. These impacts are already being felt across Alberta — affecting investment, hiring, and long-term economic competitiveness. The economic effects of uncertainty begin well before any formal policy change occurs, influencing how businesses plan, invest, and grow.
About the 2026 Alberta Referendum
Alberta will hold a province-wide referendum on October 19, 2026.
The referendum includes questions related to federal–provincial relations, immigration, and constitutional considerations. The Alberta Chambers of Commerce does not take a position on constitutional questions. Our focus is on understanding the potential impacts on businesses, investment, and growth across the province.